4 Ways To Exercise While In Lockdown

It’s spring! It’s almost time for the clocks to go forward, the sun is out…and you’re stuck indoors. Not ideal.

I ddarllen yr erthygl hon yn Gymraeg, clicia yma

If you have a garden at home, then chances are that you’ve been outside this week. But with none of your friends to go out with, and no visitors allowed in the house, you probably aren’t moving about as much as you usually do.

Exercise is very good for your brain, your heart, and your smile. It releases hormones called endorphins, which make you feel happy! It’s also great to do if you’re feeling a bit frustrated with your family or the new rules from the Government. 

You are allowed to go out for important things like exercise, but if somebody in your home isn’t well, you aren’t supposed to go out at all. So how do you stay healthy and active when you have to stay away from everyone? We have the answers! (You could even turn these into a TikTok challenge to keep in touch with friends!) 

Circuit makers

Clear a space where you can stretch out both of your arms and not hit anything. Write down a list of on-the-spot exercises you like (like skipping with a rope, sit-ups, press-ups, burpees, star jumps, squats, or using the stairs to do step ups,). Do each exercise as fast as you can for 60 seconds, using a clock or timer, and count how many you can do in that time. Try it a couple of times a week, and see if you can beat your record!

Invent a dance routine that would make Beyoncé proud

Put on your favourite happy song and don’t stop dancing until the end! You can work on it until it’s perfect, or you can just make up a routine every day. If you have brothers or sisters come up with a group dance together.

Wakey wakey!

If you have access to YouTube, you can follow Joe’s daily sessions online! They’re super fun, and will give you a bit of a jump-start before you settle down to do some schoolwork. Click here to watch. 

If you’d prefer to get your instructions in Welsh, Ffit Cymru are offering Fit Family sessions with Rae Carpenter at 9am every Monday to Friday, live on their YouTube .

Stretch it out

It’s really important to stretch properly after exercising. But it can also be a good way to chill out if things are getting a bit much for you. Yoga is a really easy way to do this at home. All you need is something soft on the floor (like a mat or a couple of blankets), and some comfy clothes.

Try this channel if you want to get started. (If you have a pet, they might even try to join in!)

We have a lot of information that can help if you’re finding things a bit odd at the moment because of Coronavirus. Click here to read them.

Need to talk to someone?

If you’re worried about anything and want to talk things through with someone, then you can always contact the Meic helpline. Whether it’s about the coronavirus, or anything else that’s worrying you, our advisors are trained to help children and young people in Wales, and they can help you get the help that you need.